Amazon launches Prime service in India

Amazon has finally launched its Amazon Prime membership programme in India. With Amazon Prime, Indian consumers will be able to enjoy unlimited free one day and two day delivery on the products with the 'Prime' badge next to them.

Amazon is offering a free trail of 60 days on Amazon.in, after which the service will be available at an introductory price of Rs 499 for annual subscription. This is a discounted price as the list price is Rs 999. The service will be offered in 20 cities and the customers will be able to choose same day delivery, morning or scheduled delivery at a discounted fee or Rs 50 per order.
 
"We are very excited to bring Prime to our customers in India.  With Prime, guaranteed one-day delivery becomes an everyday experience instead of an occasional indulgence, and with no minimum purchases, it provides unlimited convenience all year long"  says Amit Agarwal, Vice-President & Country Head, Amazon India. "For sellers, fulfilment by Amazon is now an even more powerful opportunity to rapidly grow their business and at the same time, provide customers across India with vast selection and unlimited fast free Prime delivery."

Other than the free fast delivery, Prime members will also get access to Prime Early Access, where members will get access to purchase top Lightning Deals 30 minutes before it goes online for other customers. The company claims that Prime members will have special opportunities to access Exclusive Deals from brands and sellers, selected especially for Prime members.

The subscription charge of the Prime service in India at Rs 499 is relatively cheaper when compared to the US market at $99 (Rs 6,671). However, Prime users in US also get access to Prime Video and Prime Music services. Amazon will be launching Prime Video in India soon.
 
Amazon's competitor, Flipkart, already has a similar service under the name Flipkart First which offers free-in-a-day guarantee delivery.